A small-scale, preliminary implementation of a new initiative, process, or product designed to test feasibility and gather insights before full-scale rollout. It allows organizations to experiment with limited risk and refine approaches based on real-world feedback.
From 'pilot' meaning guide or test operator (from Greek 'pedon' meaning oar) and 'program' from Greek 'programma' (public notice). The business usage emerged in the 1940s-50s, borrowing from aviation terminology where pilots tested new aircraft before general use.
The best pilot programs are designed to fail fast and cheap - they're learning experiments, not miniature versions of the final solution! Successful companies often run multiple competing pilots simultaneously, treating them as strategic options rather than commitments to a particular approach.
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